Enrique Riquelme, the 37-year-old renewable energy businessman challenging Florentino Pérez for the Real Madrid presidency, has promised to sign a Spanish player who will feature at the 2026 World Cup if he wins the club's election on June 7.
Riquelme made the pledge in an interview with Cadena Cope this week as he formally launched his campaign against Pérez, 79. Pérez called the vote on May 12 after Madrid completed a second consecutive season without a major trophy. The contest will be the club's first contested presidential election since 2006
Riquelme tied the promise to Real Madrid's current absence from Spain's squad. He told the radio station the club has no players in the national team, despite having been represented in all 16 World Cups Spain has entered. He questioned what shirt Madrid supporters would wear to watch the tournament, pointing to Barcelona forward Lamine Yamal as Spain's standout star, and said his presidency would end that gap by bringing in a Spain international who plays at the World Cup.
The candidate, founder of solar group Cox Energy, said earlier this week he has already secured agreements for "two international stars" if elected. He added that his team has finalized the appointment of a successor to coach Álvaro Arbeloa, describing the manager as currently employed by another club.
Riquelme also criticized Pérez for considering a return for José Mourinho, now in charge of Benfica, during the campaign, saying it would be improper to make such a signing in the middle of an election.